D42
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 42: Learning
Rachel sat at a small table just outside of a café. Her eyes were fixed on a nearby clock. She had Netherworld business in about 30 minutes, but she wasn't yet properly dressed for the occasion. Since she refused to sport the pretty-girl look in public, she was currently donned in a long-sleeved shirt and loose black jeans. Her hair was styled similarly to Jedda's today.
A man in a brown trench coat began approaching the building. A breeze ruffled his chestnut hair. Upon arriving, he placed an envelope down on the table, then slid into the seat across from Rachel. "That's the next assignment," he said.
Rachel paused a moment, then let herself grin.
"What?"
"I like it when they send me one of you brooding guys who gets right to the point."
He quietly chuckled, glancing elsewhere.
"Don't take this stuff too seriously, kid," she said, setting aside her coffee cup and opening the envelope. "You actually remind me of my son's father, back when the two of us first met. He..." Her words trailed off as she studied the message.
"Can you make out the code?"
She slowly nodded.
"Is there some sort of problem?"
"No," she said. "I want this mission. I'm just wondering if I can fit it into my schedule."
He stroked his chin. "Sounds like you've got a lot going on these days."
"You don't know the half of it," Rachel muttered. "I'm a sergeant in the agency, I'm a mercenary for hire, I'm an honorary Defender, and I'm Queen of the Netherworld."
"Queen of what?"
Rachel chuckled. "Never mind." She rose from her seat. "You can tell them that I'll take the assignment."
Rachel plopped onto the throne, still donned in casual clothing. "So. Let's do the court thing."
The nobles eyed her with unsettled frowns.
"Sorry." She smiled. "Still learning all the formal talk. Been getting some advice from my sister lately." Rachel cleared her throat and lifted her chin. "What I meant to say was..." She paused, then summoned the most haughty tone she could muster. "We shall now discuss current matters."
A robed noblewoman stepped forth and nodded. "Highness. Our growers have reported a surplus of goods. That means that we can send an extra shipment somewhere this week. The village of Oris could use those crops."
"The village of Alyn could use them more," Rachel said.
The woman looked surprised.
"We'll send the shipment to Alyn this time. We'll give Oris a nice surprise next week."
She bowed her head. "As you wish, highness."
Rachel beamed. " 'As you wish.' People really say that?"
The nobles looked a tad confused while eyeing each other.
Rachel slapped her hands together. "All right. I've got something new planned now, something that I believe will make the empress happy."
Before she could finish, a nobleman rushed into the room. "Forgive the interruption, highness, but I must announce the arrival of a visitor."
Rachel propped a hand up and leaned her head onto it. "Who's here?"
"Cera, the Ruby Queen of the Neoworld."
Rachel lifted an eyebrow.
Everyone looked surprised.
"Show her in," Rachel uttered.
Moments later, Rachel was greeted by a pale woman in an elegant dress. Her crimson hair rested around her shoulders. Per Cera's request, the others were dismissed, leaving the queens to speak in private.
Cera glanced at the closed doors, then turned back to the throne. "I've little time to spare, Queen Rachel, so I'm going to be as direct as possible." She narrowed her eyes. "I want to ask for your assistance in a military operation. I'm going to attack the Emerald Queen's kingdom."
Rachel tensed. Her eyebrows lowered. "Attack the... Wait a second. What are you talking about?"
"My Neoworld still lacks certain resources. That didn't magically change when Queen Lillien was dethroned."
"The empress is working on solving that problem."
"The empress is moving too slowly," Cera said. "I didn't like Queen Lillien, but I did agree with her way of thinking. I'm going to conquer another land in order to help my own."
Rachel spread her arms. "You don't have the authority to decide something like that."
Cera glared.
"We can make a few calls here and there, but we can't make any major decisions without the empress's consent. She's the ruler of both kingdoms. Our task is to inform people of her orders."
The Ruby Queen raised an eyebrow. "I doubt that Hadea will mind me taking initiative. Once she sees what I've accomplished, she'll be proud."
"So you're just going to attack that kingdom?" Rachel's tension grew. "What if they retaliate? Think of what happens then."
"My armies are prepared to deal with that."
"No. You don't understand what I'm saying. The Netherworld and the Neoworld are essentially one big kingdom now. If an enemy retaliates against your land, they'll retaliate against mine as well. By attacking someone, you're putting our soldiers at risk — and our citizens as well."
Cera let her gaze wander. "Then I'm afraid that's a chance that I'll have to take."
Rachel stood, lowering her voice to an angry whisper. "Are you out of your mind?"
"I take it you don't intend to assist me."
"No. I don't."
"Then farewell, Queen Rachel. I've no more time to discuss this. I have an ailing land to attend to...and I have another land to conquer." She turned to exit.
"Cera," called Rachel. "Wait a minute! You can't just- -"
The Ruby Queen left the room. Soon afterward, her guards began escorting her out of the kingdom.
Rachel plopped down onto the throne, taking a series of deep breaths as she nervously eyed the ceiling.
Several hours after she'd returned to the surface, Rachel met a mercenary at the end of a quiet alley. "Thanks for taking the job," she said. "I hear that you have some experience on missions like this."
The man slipped a hand within his leather coat, running the other over his long black locks.
One minute later, the two were eyeing an electronic screen in Rachel's hands.
"This is your target, Queen Cera of the Neoworld. I want her captured and brought back to the Netherworld." She pressed a few buttons, and a map appeared on-screen. "Those are the directions. It's not that difficult to reach. You'll have a better understanding once we pass through the portal."
The man quietly absorbed all that he'd been told.
"Come on. I'll provide details on her security."
They departed, heading for the nearest portal into the Netherworld.
Hours later, a bound and furious Cera was brought before Rachel's throne. The queen's guards struggled to hold her in place.
"So you're behind this?" She snarled. "How dare you take action against me?"
Rachel rose from the chair. "I can't allow you to attack the Emerald Queen." She moved her stare to the mercenary she'd hired, who stood quietly behind everyone else. "Thank you. My men will escort you back to the surface."
The man departed alongside a few of Rachel's guards.
Rachel turned her attention back to the others. "Take Queen Cera to her cell, and see that she's treated well. I'll decide what to do with her soon."
Cera made a number of angry statements while being escorted away.
Less than a minute later, Rachel received a video message from the Neoworld. Two gray-skinned nobles appeared on-screen.
"Our queen has been abducted!" said one of the panicked men.
"Abducted?" Rachel cupped her hands behind her back. "Gee, guys...that's horrible. Do you have any idea who the culprit is?"
"It was the work of a surface-dweller. A pale, dark-haired man. We wanted to alert you that he may be passing through your kingdom."
"I'll keep an eye out," she said with a nod. "Is there anything else that I can do to help you find him?"
"We've already surmised his destination. We believe that he was from an agency in a place called Sweden."
Rachel tensed. "Sweden? No. He was..." She had to stop herself from mentioning that the man was a mercenary, working alone. She didn't want to raise suspicions as to how she knew this.
"We're planning a retaliatory strike against that agency now."
Rachel suddenly realized what agency he was referring to. "Wait a minute." She trembled. "If you go up there and attack them, they'll find a way to storm through your portals and attack right back."
"Let them come," he said coldly.
"But that group is just one part of an even bigger organization. Their government won't let this go after one battle. You'll be starting a conflict that'll last for years."
The gray man scowled. "The Earthlings should've thought about that before they abducted our queen."
Rachel's jaw began to sag.
"We'll inform you of our status after we've launched our first strike."
"No!" yelled Rachel. "Wait!"
The transmission came to an end.
Rachel brought her palms across her eyes. She began to pant repeatedly while spinning in place.
"I screwed up." Rachel eased onto the bed and stared down at her lap. "I just totally...screwed...up."
Hadea stood in the doorway of Rachel's bedroom. Her hands were cupped at her waist as she listened on.
"I couldn't send someone from the Netherworld to abduct Cera. That would've been seen as a breach of the treaty that you'd set in place." She paused for a few seconds. "But I couldn't just let her attack another kingdom either. That would've led to consequences for us all." Rachel brought a hand over her forehead. "I was trying to stop her from creating a huge mess of things, and now I've created a mess of my own."
Hadea held silent while staring her over.
"There's going to be a conflict between the Neoworld and the surface, and the blame for that rests entirely with me."
After another moment of pause, the empress narrowed her eyes. "Why didn't you alert me of Cera's plans? Why didn't you seek guidance from the very beginning?"
Rachel looked away while answering. "I guess I wanted to try handling something on my own," she mumbled. "I wanted to show that I could be a capable leader. I sought to prove it not just to you, but to myself as well."
Hadea crossed the room and sat by Rachel's side. "I admire the effort that you're putting forth, but a capable leader is a member of a team...and a team member knows when to ask for help."
Rachel let her gaze linger on her lap again. "Lesson learned," she muttered. "I need help, Hadea."
"I know. I was made aware of the situation well before I arrived."
Rachel turned her head to the empress.
"I've ordered the armies of the Neoworld to stand down. There will be no attack on the surface."
Rachel felt a surge of relief sweeping through her all of a sudden.
"I'm going to set Cera free as well, and return her to her kingdom," said Hadea.
"But if we do that, she'll attack the Emerald Queen."
"She won't have the ability to. I'm going to remove her from the throne, and crown a more suitable ruler."
Rachel shied away from Hadea's eyes. "What about me? Am I being dethroned too?"
"No." She shook her head slowly. "You're still learning, Rachel. All I ask is that you include me in that process. When there's something that you need help with, come to your empress. That's what I'm here for."
Rachel clutched her knees, then smiled down at her hands. "Thank you. I will."
Hadea nodded, watching her in fascination.
After about half a minute, Rachel spoke up again. "Is there anything else that I need to do today?"
"Run along." Hadea sighed. "I'll handle matters from here."
"Thank you," she said again, blushing a little.
Hadea couldn't help but feel a tad curious. "Is there somewhere else that you need to be?"
"I actually do have something scheduled." She stood.
"Another adventure? Another mission?"
"Actually, I'm heading off to spend some time with my son." Rachel smiled. "I'm a soldier, I'm a queen, but I happen to be a mommy as well. You understand that. You're a mother." She patted Hadea's shoulder, then stepped out of the room.
Moments later, Hadea mumbled to herself. "Yes, I am — to so many people, it seems."
All had gone as Hadea had planned. The Neoworld's attack had been aborted, and Cera was returned to her home kingdom. Immediately afterward, she'd been removed from power.
Several days later, Rachel eased down on her throne and addressed her nobles. "So," she said. "Let's do the court thing."
Once again, the group looked a little irked by her lack of formal speech.
"Sorry." Rachel grinned. "I know I'm not an ideal queen just yet...but I'm getting there."
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Chapters
Volume I
Shorly after Jedda leaves the team, Queen Hadea begins a galactic conquest.
Jedda finds herself back on Mongo — and reunited with Prince Krotan.
Despite their affection, Jedda endeavors to counter Hadea's plans.
Seeking to resolve the matter with Hadea, the Defenders begin a climactic mission on Mongo.
Rick enjoys a meaningful reunion.
Volume II
Jedda and Krotan confront their feelings.
Against the wishes of his wife, Krotan grows tempted to pursue a vendetta.
Rick has a difficult time moving on.
In the wake of Krotan's actions, Jedda faces a difficult choice.
Hadea reunites with an old acquaintance.
The Royals of Mongo organize what's supposed to be a friendly feast.
A glimpse into the future on Mongo.
Volume III
Instead of spending a romantic evening together, as Jedda intended, Hadea and Phantom find themselves pursued.
Amid their exploits, Phantom and Hadea discuss personal matters.
Flash visits Ming's prison while thinking of Dale, and Rick learns that a new girl will be joining the team.
A vengeful woman targets Jedda.
The Defenders face an internal crisis.
Will she choose affection or ambition?
Needing to depart Mongo on business, Jedda and Krotan ask Hadea and Phantom to fill in for them temporarily.
Volume IV
As the enormity of his situation sinks in, an anxious Rick finds unexpected comfort.
Hadea continues to counsel Rick by reminding him that his actions have consequences.
Phantom and Hadea are advised to marry.
The acting rulers face a variety of issues on their big day.
The Defenders consider returning to solo work.
Volume V
Krotan and Jedda try to find time for their marriage while tending to duty.
Someone from Jedda's past returns.
Krotan and the guards attempt to defend the kingdom without Jedda.
Krotan and Ming have another confrontation under different circumstances.
Flash and Rick have a personal discussion.
As Rick prepares to leave the team, he and LJ receive a surprise visit.
Volume VI
The new trio embarks on a mission.
The Phantom is left startled by the recent development.
After spending a couple of days with Jedda, Rachel departs for the tme being.
In the future, Vera receives advice and comfort from her mother.
Jedda reflects on the recent years.
In the aftermath of an attack on her land, Hadea seeks help from a mercenary.
Flash is stunned by his discovery on a distant planet.
Volume VII
Hadea makes an announcement that leaves the Phantom unsettled.
The Phantom works to undo his mistakes.
In the future, the Royals of Mongo enjoy quality time together.
Rachel assists LJ and Hadea in very different ways.
Rachel adjusts to her new position awkwardly.
With Rachel and Jedda at her side, Hadea learns more about the history of her kingdom.
Volume VIII
The Phantom plans to propose.
Hadea and the Phantom attempt to work through their issues.
Rachel visits Hadea to discuss new intentions.
The Defenders confront a group of aliens who have descended on Earth, while Ming continues to scheme behind the scenes.
Flash, Rick, and Krotan engage Ming in battle.
Jade reunites briefly with her daughters.
A special occasion has finally arrived.
Volume IX
Rick has a meeting with Zyna that leaves him staggered.
Flash and Rick travel to another planet to investigate news.
Dale begins to set her agenda in motion.
The Royals of Mongo have a lengthy discussion about the past and future.
Dale takes bold steps forward.
Flash and Rick confront Dale to discuss her actions.
Empress Hadea appoints new queens.
Volume X
In the future, the royals have a discussion about politics on Mongo.
LJ and Lothar discuss family affairs.
Jedda views her official government profile to learn where she ranks among Mongoian queens.
Castra and Aura look to put their differences aside.
The Phantom learns more about Hadea's duties.
Volume XI
The Phantom, Hadea, and Rachel depart for a mission in the Bandar village.
Rachel heads off to find Kurt on her own.
Dale provides answers for Rachel.
Jade observes a significant discussion beween Phantom and Kurt.
Phantom learns that the village mission affected Hadea on a personal level.
Volume XII
Jedda and Krotan renew their commitment.
Krotan pampers Jedda as they discuss the future.
Nearly everyone joins the Phantom for a mission via boat.
The group arrives on Raven Island and learns the identity of the opposing team's leader.
Flash, Dale, and Rick spend time with Flash's sister, Commander Abigail Gordon, and her daughter Sara.
Rick and Kristina head off on a late-night mission.
Kristina, Rick, and Hadea confront their personal matters.
Once again, someone lands on Mandrake's yard during a storm.
Volume XIII
A woman arrives in the Netherworld, claiming to be the rightful ruler.
LJ, Rick, and Rachel investigate the Netherworld matter.
Flash and Dale's date is interrupted by news that Rick has been captured, and it's up to Kristina to save him.
While grouped together one night, several people must team up suddenly in order to defend the mansion.
Atascadero discusses her upbringing with Mandrake.
Volume XIV
Soldiers from Atascadero's kingdom come looking for her.
Ata heads to her kingdom to resolve the issues there.
Vera begins learning more about Jedda's past.
In response to the recent events, Hadea makes a controversial decision.
Rick attempts to resolve a certain personal issue.
Rick and his girlfriend decide to go their separate ways.
Flash, Dale, and Rick reunite with Dale's father, as well as Flash's.
Jonathan Gordon becomes overzealous, leading to repercussions.
Flash and Dale chase Ming down.
Kristina bonds with Rick in the aftermath of the events at the base.
Volume XV
In the future, Jedda and Krotan have to teach Vera the value of humility.
In the future, Vera is courted by several boys.
Rick and Kristina become stranded on an island.
Hadea is approached by an old suitor.
Kristina and Rick grow closer while stuck on the island.
Ata and Mandrake discuss their relationship.
Castra and her husband have a talk about their longtime commitment.
Krotan and Jedda discuss the past, and look to the future.
Flash and Dale reaffirm their feelings.
The series finale.
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